Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has taken control of the strategic city of Hama, marking a significant development in the Syrian civil war. This follows their recent success in Aleppo, as they advance steadily southward. Analysts highlight the importance of Hama’s location and its historical significance as a center of unrest against the Assad regime. While the government claims to have retreated to protect civilians, the situation remains volatile, with potential further confrontations looming in nearby Homs, which is crucial for the government’s control of western Syria.